Netherlands; Dutch Minority Government Takes Office, Doubts Remain

After months of difficult negotiations, the Netherlands got a minority government Thursday which is relying on the support of the anti-Islam party of Geert Wilders.

Analysts doubt whether the cabinet will be stable enough to execute its EUR18 billion austerity package. They also say the new government shuns structural economic reforms to keep the generous Dutch welfare system sustainable over the longer term.Following months of difficult negotiations, the center-right Christian Democrats and Liberal Party have squeezed out an agreement to form a minority government, the first one in the Netherlands since World War II.

The coalition has the backing of the populist and anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders, whose Freedom Party will give parliamentary support but won't be part of the government.

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